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Activism / Low Risk Activism Suggestions

Even if you feel uncomfortable with "coming out" as a pot smoker, or are a bit intimidated by the term "activist", there are still a variety of ways a person can help advance the movement toward rational cannabis policy. (Being an "activis"t simply means you've taken some action to be part of the solution.)Here are several low risk activism suggestions:

Using the media in this way to spread our message is a free and effective tactic. If you're concerned about using your real name when submitting a letter, you can write LTE's for newspapers outside your local area.

*An LTE is also a great opportunity to communicate to the cannabis community as well, stressing the importance of getting involved. We need as many people as possible making an effort.

You don't need to talk about your own pot smoking in order to discuss important topics such as the war on drugs, or the harms created by marijuana laws.

If you trust the person you're talking to, and you feel you have their respect, why not discuss your own pot use? They're unlikely to use this information against you, and you'd have the opportunity to challenge common stereotypes of who a pot smoker is.

Personally, I'm not a high-profile activist, but "coming out" to my family and friends has given me the opportunity to educate them on the topic of marijuana and correct their misconceptions. It's a very liberating feeling to be able to discuss the topic openly and not feel you have to hide that part of yourself. It's also a good first step in learning to be more effective in responding to various prohibitionist claims.

Keep up to date on marijuana-related events in your area and show your support by attending. It's important for us to put a human face on this issue, and it also helps build a sense of unity and strength through numbers within the movement. Check out my Events page to see when an event is happening in your area.

When you are out shopping, ask whether a store carries hemp products. Showing interest like this will encourage wider availability of hemp-related products in the future.

Buying hemp and marijuana-related products will strengthen the industry and legitimize pot smokers as a viable demographic. These types of businesses often actively support marijuana law reform, so supporting them supports the cause.

Keep a look out for cannabis-related topics that come up in online discussion forums and in newsgroups. On a high traffic site many people may see your response.

Many people will hear what you have to say if you voice your opinions on radio or TV call-in shows. The first time or two you'll likely be nervous but you'll start looking forward to the opportunity to call in as your knowledge and experience grows.

An under-used activist resource are college radio stations. They will often accommodate event announcements for cannabis related events.